North Koreans’ life expectancy falls as infant mortality rises

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Life expectancy in North Korea has declined over the past 15 years, with an increase in infant mortality and more mothers dying in childbirth, according to new census figures.

The Communist regime’s legendary military might also appears to be far smaller than claimed, with figures showing just over 724,000 people working in government and defence

The census — the first since 1993 — provides a rare insight into the workings of the isolated and highly secretive regime. It was conducted with the help of United Nations Population Fund, which sent five teams of observers to monitor it.